Overview
Rotala nummularia Welw. ex Hiern is a popular freshwater aquatic plant that is a member of the Lythraceae family. It is commonly known as Marsh Pennywort due to its coin-shaped leaves. The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Appearance
The stems of Rotala nummularia are thin and wiry, with leaves that are arranged oppositely. The leaves are small, round, and slightly cupped, measuring up to 1.5 cm in diameter. The plant has roots that grow freely, allowing it to anchor itself in the substrate or float on the surface of the water.
Uses
Rotala nummularia is primarily used as a decorative plant in aquariums, where it provides a lush, green accent. The plant is easy to maintain and propagate, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced aquarium hobbyists. It is also known to help improve the water quality in aquariums by removing toxins and excess nutrients.
In traditional medicine, Rotala nummularia has been used to treat a variety of ailments. The plant is believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and is used topically to relieve pain, swelling, and skin irritation caused by burns and insect bites.
Light Conditions
Rotala nummularia Welw. ex Hiern requires bright light for proper growth. The bright light is required for photosynthesis to take place. This plant should be given at least 8 hours of light per day, which can be provided by fluorescent lamps.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is a tropical plant, hence can do well in moderate to warm temperatures. The ideal temperature for proper growth ranges from 22 to 28°C. If exposed to temperatures below 15°C, the leaves will start to turn yellow, and the plant will eventually die.
Soil Requirements
Rotala nummularia Welw. ex Hiern requires nutrient-rich soil for proper growth. The soil should have a neutral pH of approximately 6.8. A substrate of laterite or vermiculite, mixed with regular garden soil is recommended for growing this plant. A gravel or sand bed may prevent the growth of roots and should not be used as a substrate. The plant should be given a moderate amount of iron-rich fertilizers to enhance its growth.
Cultivation Methods
Rotala Nummularia is a tropical plant, native to Africa. It is commonly grown in aquariums, but can also be grown emersed in a terrarium or indoor garden. It thrives in warm temperatures, with a range between 70-82°F (21-28°C).
When planting Rotala Nummularia, it is important to provide rich, well-draining substrate and bright, direct lighting. Soil with a mix of clay and gravel, with a pH of around 7.0, is ideal for the plant to grow and develop properly. It is also essential to place the plant in an area that receives sufficient sunlight or artificial light, as without it, the plant may become weak, yellow, and wither.
Watering Needs
The plant prefers moderately hard water, with a range between 5-15 dGH. The pH level should be between 6.5-7.5 for optimum growth. It is beneficial to add CO2 regularly, as Rotala Nummularia can absorb a significant amount of CO2 through its leaves during photosynthesis.
Watering should be done regularly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. A lack of water can lead to the leaves of the plant turning yellow and dying off.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential to support optimal growth and coloration in Rotala Nummularia. The plant requires high levels of nutrition, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, as these are vital for the production of chlorophyll and the synthesis of DNA and RNA.
The most effective fertilizers to use are those specifically developed for aquatic plants. It is also essential to maintain proper nutrient and CO2 levels by monitoring and adjusting as needed.
Pruning
Pruning Rotala Nummularia is necessary to maintain a healthy and visually appealing appearance. Regularly trimming the tops of the plants will encourage branching and the growth of new stems.
It is also essential to remove any discolored or damaged leaves and stems, as these can detract from the plant's appearance and negatively affect its health.
Additionally, propagating through stem cutting is an effective way to grow new plants. Simply cut a stem of healthy Rotala Nummularia and plant it in fresh substrate, providing plenty of light and fertilization.
Propagation of Rotala nummularia Welw. ex Hiern
Rotala nummularia Welw. ex Hiern, also known as creeping rotala, is a popular aquatic plant that is commonly used in aquariums due to its bright green foliage and easy propagation method. Here are the details on how to propagate Rotala nummularia Welw. ex Hiern:
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is the most common method used to propagate Rotala nummularia Welw. ex Hiern. This involves simply cutting off a stem of the plant and replanting it in the substrate. The cutting should be around 2-3 inches long and have several intact nodes. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the stem and insert it into the substrate, making sure to keep the nodes in contact with the substrate. Within a few days, the stem should start to grow roots and new shoots.
Division
Another method of propagation for Rotala nummularia Welw. ex Hiern is through division. This method is useful when the plant has grown too large and needs to be split into smaller sections. Carefully remove the plant from the substrate and divide it into smaller clumps, ensuring that each clump has a healthy root system and several stems with leaves. Replant the clumps into the substrate to encourage further growth.
Adventitious Plantlets
Rotala nummularia Welw. ex Hiern can also produce adventitious plantlets on its stems. These plantlets will develop roots and leaves, eventually becoming their own individual plants. To propagate using adventitious plantlets, it is important to wait until the plantlets have grown roots and leaves before cutting them from the mother plant. Once removed, the plantlets can be replanted into the substrate.
Conclusion
Propagation of Rotala nummularia Welw. ex Hiern is a simple process that can be achieved through vegetative propagation, division, or adventitious plantlets. By following these steps, aquarists can easily propagate this beautiful aquatic plant and add it to their collection.
Disease management
The Rotala nummularia is susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections. The most common diseases that affect this plant include root rot, leaf spot, and blight. These diseases can damage the plant's foliage, affecting its growth and overall health. To manage these diseases:
- Regularly inspect the plants for any signs of disease
- Remove any infected leaves or stems immediately
- Avoid overwatering the plants to prevent root rot
- Ensure proper ventilation for the plants to avoid fungal infections
- Apply a fungicide or bactericide as directed by the manufacturer
Pest management
Several pests can attack the Rotala nummularia, including aphids, spider mites, and snails. These pests can damage the leaves, stems, and roots of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Here are some ways to manage pests:
- Regularly inspect the plants for any signs of pests
- Use a jet of water or insecticidal soap to remove small insect populations
- Avoid using chemical pesticides as they can harm beneficial insects and fishes in an aquarium
- Introduce natural predators like ladybugs to control pest populations
- Use a snail trap or manually remove snails to prevent damage to the plant and aquarium
